Manchester United may keep hold of promising midfielder Tom Cleverley despite Newcastle United and Blackpool's attempt to sign him on loan, according to The People.Cleverley, 20, is highly rated by manager Sir Alex Ferguson and recently inked a three-year contract extension to secure his long-term United future.

Despite that deal, though, a season-long temporary move was mooted to continue his progression away from Old Trafford.

The England under-21 international enjoyed a successful spell at Championship outfit Watford last season and claimed the club's player of the year honour despite his season being cut short by a knee ligament injury in April.

This performance is believed to have impressed Ferguson - and with Owen Hargreaves sidelined with further fitness problems - Cleverley could be handed the chance to stake his claim for a first-team place at the Premier League runners -up.

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